Common English Mistakes by Korean Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native Korean speakers from South Korea when writing in English.

Category:Student
Personal writing used for admissions and transfer letters.
Common Users:Students of various disciplines.
Mistake Example #1

Student / Admission Essay

Confusion with prepositions ('in', 'on', 'at')

I am excited to apply for the program inat your university. I have always been interested oin studying biology, and I believe your institution offers the best opportunities in this field. During my high school years, I participated atin various science competitions, which helped me develop a strong foundation in the subject. I am eager to continue my education at your esteemed university and contribute to the academic community.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some adjusting for proper prepositional phrasing."

I am excited to apply for the program at your university. I have always been interested in studying biology, and I believe your institution offers the best opportunities in this field. During my high school years, I participated in various science competitions, which helped me develop a strong foundation in the subject. I am eager to continue my education at your esteemed university and contribute to the academic community.

I am excited to apply for the program in your university. I have always been interested on studying biology, and I believe your institution offers the best opportunities in this field. During my high school years, I participated at various science competitions, which helped me develop a strong foundation in the subject. I am eager to continue my education at your esteemed university and contribute to the academic community.

Mistake Example #2

Student / Personal Statement

Incorrect word order in complex sentences

SinceFrom a young age, I have been fascinated by the world of science, and it is my dream to study biology at your university. TI believe the opportunity to learn from esteemed professors and haveaccess to advanced research facilities, I believe, will greatly enhance my understanding of the subject. In Korea, where I grew up, eEducation is highly valuedin Korea, where I grew up, and I am eager to contribute to your academic community with my unique perspective.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I changed the order of some of the words/phrases to improve the flow of the text. Good work!"

From a young age, I have been fascinated by the world of science, and it is my dream to study biology at your university. I believe the opportunity to learn from esteemed professors and have access to advanced research facilities will greatly enhance my understanding of the subject. Education is highly valued in Korea, where I grew up, and I am eager to contribute to your academic community with my unique perspective.

Since young age, I have been fascinated by the world of science, and it is my dream to study biology at your university. The opportunity to learn from esteemed professors and access to advanced research facilities, I believe, will greatly enhance my understanding of the subject. In Korea, where I grew up, education is highly valued, and I am eager to contribute to your academic community with my unique perspective.

Mistake Example #3

Student / Transfer Essay

Confusion with prepositions ('in', 'on', 'at')

I am writing to express my interest in transferring to your university. I have been studying at my current institution for two years, and I believe that continuing my education on your campus will provide me with better opportunities. I am particularly interested in the courses offered in your department, as they align with my career goals.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"This one doesn't have any issues."

I am writing to express my interest in transferring to your university. I have been studying at my current institution for two years, and I believe that continuing my education on your campus will provide me with better opportunities. I am particularly interested in the courses offered in your department, as they align with my career goals.

I am writing to express my interest in transferring to your university. I have been studying at my current institution for two years, and I believe that continuing my education on your campus will provide me with better opportunities. I am particularly interested in the courses offered in your department, as they align with my career goals.